9 ‘Manlilikha ng Bayan’ named

President Marcos has named nine Filipino artists as this year’s “Manlilikha ng Bayan,” exceptional individuals whose skills and dedication to their craft have allowed various aspects of indigenous Filipino culture to survive or even thrive across generations.

Among them was Adelita Romualdo Bagcal of Banna, Ilocos Norte, who was cited for her commitment in safeguarding and promoting “Dallot” and other Ilocano oral traditions.

Also named among the 2023 Manlilikha were Abina Tawide Coguit, an Agusan Manobo embroiderer from La Paz, Agusan del Sur; Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas, a Sama master of traditional dance from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Bundos Bansil Fara, a T’boli brasscaster from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato;

Marife Ravidas Ganahon, a Higaonon mat weaver from Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Amparo Balansi Mabanag, a Ga’dang embroiderer from Paracelis, Mountain Province; Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, a Mandaya ikat weaver from Caraga, Davao Oriental; Barbara Kibed Ofong, a T’boli ikat weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; and Rosie Godwino Sula, a T’boli chanter from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The awardees were announced through Proclamation No. 427, which Malacañang issued on Thursday.

Also known as the National Living Treasures Award, the Manlilikha is conferred on a person or group for making major contributions to the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

The award, which was introduced in April 1992, is separate from the selection of National Artists in the fields of music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film and broadcast arts, and architecture or allied arts. —Reports from Nestor Corrales and Inquirer Research INQ